For many people worldwide, Pele’s passing felt like a personal loss, touching anyone who crossed paths with the legendary Brazilian football icon. Lidia Ivanova, widow of the iconic Soviet footballer and coach Valentin Ivanov and a two-time Olympic gymnastics champion, admitted the news of Pele’s death struck a deep chord with her.
“This is a staggering figure in football and all sports. I knew him, and we still have a signed memento from him. I have spent a large portion of my life intertwined with football.”
There is no one who has not heard Pele’s name. The news was painful, as if something grand and powerful had been torn away. Ivanova extended condolences to his family and to the entire football community, noting that Pele had a way of filling stadiums with energy and hope.
Sports commentator and blogger Vasily Utkin also shared thoughts on Pele’s death, drawing comparisons with other great players of the era and stressing that, despite all the talent around him, Pele stood in a league of his own.
“The King is gone—yet there is no new King, and that absence will be felt for a long time. Pele is the King, and Diego Maradona should be viewed in the context of Pele’s era. Maradona was a companion, not a pupil. Garrincha, in his own right, stood beside Pele as a rare foil. Maradona approached the game with a different grace; Cruyff pursued a distinct motivation; Messi is a genius, but the crown doesn’t need to be placed on him. Pele’s combination of intellect, power, and creativity set a standard that remains unmatched.”
Utkin suggested that even Ronaldinho, with unmatched skill and flair, could not quite reach Pele’s breadth of influence—though he could rival the best in pure athletic brilliance, Pele’s intelligence and vision set him apart.
“The king is dead. Yet his influence endures,” Utkin wrote on his telegraph channel.
Pele’s passing was a loss felt far beyond football, with athletes from all sports paying tribute to the impact he had on the world. Seven-time world billiards champion Ronnie O’Sullivan recalled that Pele helped shapes how the sport of football is perceived globally and that his contributions transcended the game itself.
“A football legend, and more importantly, a remarkable person. I am grateful to have known him,” O’Sullivan reflected. “Pele laid the groundwork for so much of what we see in the sport today.”
Federer, the Swiss tennis pioneer who has long admired Pele, offered a personal note of gratitude to the Brazilian icon. The former world No. 1 and twenty-time Grand Slam winner remembered a meeting that left a lasting impression and spoke of Pele as a mentor who inspired generations of athletes across disciplines.
“Thank you for inspiring millions of athletes and fans. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met you and learned from you. You became one of the first global symbols of sport. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
Among the first to respond from the ice and snow of hockey was Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin, who posted a simple tribute with a shared photo of Pele, honoring the legend’s memory.
Legendary boxer and former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson also shared his reflections, recalling the warmth Pele exuded and the kindness that defined their brief encounter. Tyson wrote that Pele was the kind of person who could not speak ill of anyone and left behind only fond memories.
“I was twenty-one and dreamed of meeting one of the greatest athletes. He was a warm, gracious person who could not say a bad word about anyone. Rest in peace,” Tyson said.
The English Premier League joined in the tribute by announcing a special gesture: from December 30 to January 1, all league matches would begin with a minute’s applause to honor Pele’s memory.
The political world also weighed in. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro, noting that a personal acquaintance with Pele had been a bright moment in his life. The message conveyed sincere condolences to Pele’s family, friends, and all those touched by his legacy.
In the United States, President Joe Biden offered condolences on behalf of his wife, Jill Biden, highlighting Pele’s life as an example of overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Biden spoke of how football connects the world and how Pele’s journey—from humble beginnings to global stardom—embodied that spirit. The Bidens also shared their thoughts with those who loved Pele, emphasizing the universal reach of his impact.
NASA joined the chorus of remembrance with a distinctive tribute. The agency posted condolences accompanied by an image of a spiral galaxy rendered in the colors of the Brazilian flag, recognizing Pele as a symbol of excellence in sport and global inspiration.
In reflecting on Pele’s remarkable life, observers highlighted the breadth of his influence—not only the records he set on the field but the unity and joy his artistry brought to fans around the world. His legacy continues to inform how future generations understand football, celebrate greatness, and pursue excellence with courage and imagination.